"As an integrated system of health care,
Tibetan medicine can offer allopathic medicine a different perspective on
health. However, like other scientific systems, it must be understood in
its own terms, as well as in the context of objective investigation. In
practice it can also offer Western people another approach to achieving
happiness through health and balance."
--His Holiness the Dalai Lama, May
16, 1997

In this article I want to discuss a
Tibetan-based herbal formula that reflects the philosophy outlined by H.H.
the Dalai Lama. PADMA BASIC® is an extensively researched formulation that
bridges the gap between Classical Tibetan Medicine and the modern Western
medical paradigm. With over 50 published scientific papers spanning the
last 30 years, PADMA's popularity among Western medical professionals can
be attributed to its history of safe use and its health-enhancing
properties.

The original formula, used for centuries as
a cardiovascular tonic and to counteract "heat" (inflammatory processes or
infections), made its way to Europe by the first half of the 20th century.
Acceptance of an ancient Tibetan formula into the Western medical
tradition requires sensitivity to both the original Tibetan intention, and
the rigorous requirements of the international pharmaceutical community.
Today PADMA BASIC is produced in accordance with strict manufacturing
guidelines. The herbs are grown organically, or meticulously tested to
ensure they are not contaminated. Ingredients are verified using thin
layer or high pressure liquid chromatography. While the highest
"scientific Western methods" are used, traditional Tibetan "scientific
methods" of smelling and tasting are also followed.

Classical Tibetan
Medicine

PADMA BASIC can be understood from two
viewpoints. In Classical Tibetan Medicine, good health means maintaining a
dynamic equilibrium of universal elemental forces. Illness is a
manifestation of imbalance. Therapeutic intervention aims at restoring
balance by treating the cause, not just the symptoms. Within this
traditional model, PADMA has three functions:

Padma is a cooling formula.

Padma enhances the movement of wind.

Padma vitalizes blood (a result of
moving wind).

To the Western medical practitioner,
untrained in Classical Tibetan Medicine, these concepts provide little
practical guidance. However, we can examine such energetic terms in
relation to "Western Physiology."

* Cooling effect: Our body systems reflect
our Western lifestyle, which tends to "excess heat" caused by running too
fast without a break; eating on the run, not sleeping enough, etc. The
result is inflammation, the hallmark of imbalances involving our
cardiovascular and immune systems, cell health, and much more. Since
inflammation causes oxidative stress, such a formula has profound
antioxidant value.

* Enhancing wind: This concept relates to
flow in the body. When substances heat up they get sticky and do not move
harmoniously. In Western medicine this translates to issues such as
hyperviscosity or blood thickness, and circulatory imbalances.

* Vitalizing blood: As the system cools and
flows harmoniously, circulation improves, influencing multiple systems
from memory to cardiovascular health to immunity.

Western Medical Paradigm

Following the Western medical paradigm,
extensive clinical research demonstrates that PADMA supports circulation,
cardiovascular health and immunity, moderates inflammation, and has
antioxidant effects. From a pharmaceutical point of view, its compounds
can be classified into functional groups, including tannins
(anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cleansing), polyphenols/flavonoids
(immune and circulatory support, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative), and
essential oils (digestive support, cleansing, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating).

Research shows that the circulatory and
cardiovascular benefits of PADMA BASIC are partly due to its antioxidants.
These compounds promote arterial health and normal blood flow, which, in
turn, supports oxygen supply to the heart, extremities, and all living
systems. They also protect blood lipids from oxidation, shown in
controlled studies to contribute to detrimental vascular effects.

While specific nutrients are beneficial,
the synergy created by combining ingredients far exceeds their individual
effects. It is the unique integration quoted by H.H. the Dalai Lama that
is responsible for such benefits. As we move forward to understand and
research ancient formulas, it is my belief and clinical experience that we
need to respect and preserve their origin and traditional indications.

Dr. Isaac Eliaz is a medical doctor and
licensed acupuncturist with extensive training in complementary
modalities. For 15 years, his practice has centered on the integrative
treatment of cancer. He has been involved in numerous studies
investigating the effects of nutritional supplements on cancer and has
been granted two patents. He directs the Amitabha Medical Clinic and
Healing Center in Sebastopol, California (707) 829-5900. For more
information, please visit: www.dreliaz.com.

These statements have not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Please consult a qualified medical practitioner for medical advice.